Preventing Blood Clots

After total joint surgery, clots called deep vein thromboses (DVT) may
form in the leg veins. In rare cases, these leg clots travel to the lungs
where they may cause additional symptoms. To prevent and reduce the
incidence of clot formation, mechanical devices (foot or calf pumps)
are used while you are in the Hospital to squeeze the leg muscles, thus
maintaining blood flow in the veins. Also, a medication to minimize
clot formation, such as warfarin (Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox) or
aspirin, will be prescribed.